(LONDONDERRY, New Hampshire) – Renowned Danish shoemaker ECCO announces that
world-class trick shot artist and ECCO Golf Ambassador Peter Longo received the 2006 Joe Jemsek "Par Excellence" Award for dedication to making the game of golf accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Named for the late Joe Jemsek, a pioneer in promoting golf courses for everyday golfers, the award is given annually by Chicago’s Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital to an individual who shows outstanding leadership and inspiration to people living with disabilities.
Longo has worked with disabled golfers for 25 years, serving as an original member of the PGA’s Committee for Disabled Golf. Considered an expert in the field, he has written three teaching manuals and produced the first-ever video on the subject. In 2005, the PGA released his Challenge Golf program as the organization’s principal reference on the topic.
"I am honored to receive the ‘Par Excellence’ award for my work with disabled golf," says Longo. "When I first started as a trick shot artist, I did shots with only one arm or blindfolded and quickly realized what it was like for a person with a disability to play golf. Since then, I’ve been devoted to making the game more accessible to individuals with disabilities."
"Peter is a superb ambassador for the ECCO brand, promoting our shoes and our commitment to social responsibility," says C.B. Tuite, General Sales Manager, Golf Division. "We are extremely proud of his efforts to give back to the community."
As an ECCO ambassador, Longo wears ECCO golf shoes in all shows and public appearances. A Chicago native, Longo has teamed with Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital to offer a series of golf clinics designed specifically for individuals with a disability, chronic pain or arthritis. The hospital’s golf program is open to golfers of all ability levels and includes both golf medicine and therapeutic golf.
About ECCO
ECCO Sko A/S is an international group founded in 1963 by Karl Toosbuy in Denmark. Today, ECCO is a global player in the dress and casual footwear industry, with direct subsidiaries in Europe, the Far East and North America, and partners worldwide. ECCO has more than 10,500 employees worldwide. ECCO USA, Inc. is based in Londonderry, New Hampshire. For more information: www.eccousa.com , (800) 886-3226.
Contact:
Tom Williams
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3322
twilliams@billycaspergolf.com
